Motorists have been warned that the Royal International Air Tattoo takes place from Friday to Sunday (July 19 to 21) and roads in the area will be extremely busy. One way routes and colour-coded routes will be in operation during the event at RAF Fairford.
Gloucestershire County Council’s highways team has issued a reminder to drivers that they will need to allow additional travel time. RIAT organisers recommend the Swindon Shuttle Bus or Cheltenham Park and Ride as the fastest way to get to the show.
But those using their own cars are told to use postcode GL7 4EG. But when they get closer to the airfield, there will be colour-coded AA road signs which will need to be followed.
READ MORE: RIAT 2024: Full list of all planes flying, including Red Arrows, Eurofighters, F16 and F35
READ MORE: RIAT 2024 ticket update as another day sells out but still chance to see Red Arrow
Visitors are also told that using a taxi is not an option. The RIAT website says: “Due to the one way systems in operation, there will be no way for a taxi to leave after dropping off in the morning, or to arrive to pick up in the evening.”
Gloucestershire County Council’s highways team said on X: “Reminder that the Royal International Air Tattoo takes place in Fairford this weekend, so if you’re out and about in this area, please allow additional travel time.”
Overflow routes will also be in place. These will hopefully reduce congestion on the main routes.
Below is the latest travel information provided by RIAT
From the North East (M40/A40) Red Route
Traffic from the North East should approach via Burford and Lechlade, along the A417 and then through Whelford village into the Red car parks. Traffic on the A420 should avoid approaching Lechlade from the South East.
From the South and South East Blue Route
Traffic from the South and South East on the M4 should travel north along the A419(T) (exit M4 at Junction 15) then, after Cricklade, depart left onto the C124 towards Kempsford and into the Blue car parks.
You can see images from last year’s RIAT in the gallery above. There was a Royal surprise.
From the West and South West Brown Route
Traffic from the West, South West and Bristol on the M4, exit at Junction 17 and travel north towards Malmesbury, turning north east on to the B4040 towards Minety and then north on the B4696 towards Ashton Keynes (Cotswold Water Park). Traffic passes over the A419 joining the Cirencester Road south bound through Latton, merging with the Blue or Green routes as directed, dependent upon prevailing traffic levels.
From the North West Green Route
Traffic travelling from the North West (M5 Junction 11A and Cheltenham) should follow the A417(T) south, exiting at the Burford Road junction and joining the A417 eastbound towards Fairford. Traffic will be directed through Meysey Hampton into the Green car parks. Traffic travelling from the West should follow the Cirencester ring road to the south of the town and use the old A419 past South Cerney airfield. Carry straight on at the first roundabout and follow the road parallel to the A419(T). At the second roundabout turn left, over the A419(T) and bear right towards Latton. Turn left to Down Ampney and follow signs to the Green car parks.